James Edward Simpkins

Simpkins, James Edward, 89 beloved husband, father and grandfather died May 23 surrounded by his family. He was born April 8, 1922 in Helena, Montana, the son of Edward and Margery Leno (Cobban) Simpkins. He was a WWII Navy veteran. After the war, he graduated from the University of California Berkeley as a mechanical engineer. In 1944 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Cobb. He was a member of UC Berkeley Alumni Association and until retirement a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His greatest pleasure was weekend trips and vacations with his wife and children. In his later years, he and his family visited family sites and history in Montana and Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harvey and a nephew Edward. Surviving are his wife, his sisters-in-law Patricia Simpkins, Harriet Fremlin, and Priscilla Baker, his sons Dana (Nancy) and Milo (Julia), and his daughters Lorelie Gafford, Gwen (Mitch) Paige, Judy (Darrell) Pauls, Elizabeth (Terry) Brickman and Jamie (Les) Adkins. Also survived by 20 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. The memorial service will be at the Goddard United Methodist Church on Friday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Goddard United Methodist Church or Harry Hynes Hospice.